Inhibitory effects of bevacizumab on angiogenesis and corneal neovascularization.
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the inhibitory effects of bevacizumab (Avastin) on angiogenesis using cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro and on corneal neovascularization by subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab in vivo.


METHODS
After the HUVECs were exposed to different concentrations of bevacizumab stimulated with VEGF (10 ng/ml) for 2, 6, and 24 hours, cellular-activity-like proliferation, migration and tube formation were assessed. Subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab (2.5 mg/0.1 ml) was performed after corneal chemical burn injury. Then the cornea was evaluated by biomicroscopy, fluorescein angiography, and light microscopy.


RESULTS
The inhibitory effects of bevacizumab on VEGF-induced HUVECs proliferation showed a dose-dependent response for 2 and 6 hours, but all groups were effectively inhibited regardless of the concentration of bevacizumab for 24 hours. The inhibitory effects of bevacizumab on the migration of VEGF-induced HUVECs showed a time- and dose-dependent response. The inhibitory effects of bevacizumab on VEGF-induced HUVECs tube formation showed a dose-dependent response only for 24 hours. On days 3 and 8 after the subconjunctival injection, bevacizumab-treated eyes showed less neovascular growth than BSS-treated eyes in biomicroscopic, fluorescein angiographic, and light microscopic findings in vivo.


CONCLUSIONS
Bevacizumab effectively inhibits angiogenesis and corneal neovascularization, and could be used as a inhibitor of corneal neovascularization in the future.
Han
Young Sang
YS
Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Pusan National University, Seo-Ku, Pusan 602-739, Korea.
Lee
Ji Eun
JE
Jung
Ji Won
JW
Lee
Jong Soo
JS
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D016510:Corneal Neovascularization / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D011817:Rabbits; D014471:Umbilical Veins / Q000166:cytology; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000633:toxicity
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000068258:Bevacizumab